A tour of a classic 36-foot trawler quickly turns into a case for why older liveaboard boats still hold serious appeal.

More people are choosing to live aboard their boats, not only as a unique lifestyle choice in coastal cities, but also many are concerned about affording paying for a home or an apartment.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — For Carlos Leon, living on a boat anchored off this posh seaside community, is the ideal lifestyle. The weather is good, except for the occasional hurricane, and the water is ...